Solar Energy Solar Home Design Guide |
Solar Home Tour and MORE Saturday, November 14 Home Tour 9 - 1
The Hennessys did much of the design work themselves and then became "owner-builders". Acting as their own general contractors, they purchased and delivered materials, hired sub-contractors to complete various phases of construction where time or expertise necessitated, and worked along with the hired help whenever possible.
The Solar Home of Frank Sanchez, Chaparral, N.M. Frank Sanchez designed this 2,100 sq. ft home which is now under construction. Frank is an "owner-builder", doing much of the work himself including the plumbing and electrical work. New Mexico code allows owner-builders to take a test and upon passing they are allowed to do these jobs but only on their own home. The home is frame construction - 2X6 walls, allowing for R-19 batt insulation and the exterior of the walls are sheathed with rigid insulation R-6 for a total of R-25. The ceilings will be R-30, and the foundation perimeter is also insulated. Interior thermal mass will include a tile covered concrete slab and brick veneer. Frank researched solar and energy efficient home design and also attended
a Passive Solar Industries Council (PSIC) Builder Guidelines workshop
before designing the home.
The Solaradobe Home of Mike and Marie Cormier,
Chaparral, NM. Designed and built by the owners, the 1,800 sq. ft. home is a direct gain design with operable clerestory windows and 18" exterior adobe walls. The north wall is insulated to R-10 , and the foundation perimeter to R-5. Thermal energy is stored in the homes adobe walls, fireplace, and the brick and tiled floors.This home does not have a furnace and has only a fireplace as a back-up heat source. Over the 6 winters since moving in the fireplace has been used an average of just 4 times each winter. Although the home is all electric including stove and water heater, the current electric bills average $50/month. The water heater is controlled by a timer and the homes most frequently used interior lights are compact fluorescent bulbs. The home also recycles it's gray water.
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